varney

I spotted these old ink inscriptions on the endpapers of an early Jeffries. I suspect they may be repair or service notes but wanted to let better eyes than mine see what they can make of them. All I can see is the word (or name?) 'Case' and various dates.

Thanks for this suggestion. Ideally I'd prefer to get some original old ones so if anyone can help I'd be very grateful.

I'm trying to find some Wheatstone maker's badges similar to the one pictured. I think these were also made in a plain brass so either kind would be suitable.I can cover the costs for the badges and any shipping costs. Thanks to anyone who can help!

Thanks Geoff and Greg.........all very helpful suggestions which I'll try in turn....or in conjunction if still too loud.

I'm looking for any suggestions to help lower the volume of a drone pair of reeds tuned to C. I've put on very heavy valves on each reed which has helped reduce the volume but both reeds are still quite loud and border on drowning out any melody that's being played on the C row at same time. What other things can I try?

Looking for a 30 key Lachenal, Wheatstone etc. Wooden end preferred but a metal end might suit if it's not too expensive. PM me with any pics or details.

I've often wondered if there are any of the workers from the Wheatstone factory still alive. I know Sid Watkins was the last of the old timers to pass away back in the early 70s, but were there any other younger people employed who might still be around today? For example - in the Pathe Concertina Factory film there's a young man seen cutting fretwork. Does anybody know who he is? I would have said he couldn't be much more than 20 or 21 when the film was shot in 1961 which would mean he'd be mid 70s if he were still alive. He must have worked for Wheatstones for a few years as I think he's also in an earlier picture from the factory workshop in the 1950s (?). If anyone knows him or has any information I'd be delighted to know more. If he or any other workers were still living it would be wonderful to hear any reminiscences they may have of the company and the concertina making process.

Thanks for that Chris. I had one other suggestion from another source who thought around £1800... I like your value better! Seriously, I'm grateful for your help Chris. Maybe the value lies somewhere between the two figures? I'd like to put it up for sale at a fair price so if anyone else can offer any suggestions I'd be grateful.

I recently had a very nice Wheatstone Baritone ( serial 33086, dated 1933 ) come my way and wanted to ask if people could offer some thoughts as to value? With the kind help of Geoff Crabb I have the following information to identify it: Baritone, Model 10A fitted with optional metal tops, see the pricelist @ http://www.concertina.com/pricelists/wheatstone-english/Wh-Pricelist-Eng-c1935.pdf It is pitched an Octave lower than the standard treble. If other words you can play it exactly as a Treble but each button will sound an octave lower. The presence of Brass reed tongues and Chromed metal tops suggests that it was built for use in the tropics, the aluminium frames for lightness. Probably missionary work. You will see a reference to optional non- corrosive reeds (read tongues) 8 lines below the Model description. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ With Geoff's help I was also able to establish it's in regular English system layout but just an octave below. The non - corrosive reeds make it lighter so it's quite easy to handle for a larger instrument. All the notes sound and it has a lovely sonorous tone. The bass notes are especially lovely. I will try and post pictures with this to show that it's in really clean condition. One minor point - it has had palm rests fitted which are in the original case with it. These have left two small screw holes on each side but are really hardly noticeable. I'd like to sell it but don't know what value a concertina like this has. Can anybody offer some advice as to value as it sits? If it sells to a cnet member I'd be more than happy to make a contribution to the site... many thanks, Michael.

Thanks Blue jack. ..I have a couple of 50s Wheatstone cases to hand but it's a 20s or earlier case I'm after...

Does anybody have a period case for a Wheatstone Linota from the 20s or earlier? Am looking for one for an Anglo from that time and would love to find a case that fits the time period (c.mid teens). Can anybody help?

Thanks, Jim.... It's from 1941 or thereabouts. I thought it might be chrome but wasn't sure. I know there are chrome kits out there but I'm wondering would these wind up giving it an unnatural mirror type finish? Has anybody ever tried restoring ends like this themselves? I'd be interested to hear / see how they got on. Michael.

The metal ends on this Wheatstone have bald patches where it appears the nickel plating (?) has corroded away. It probably needs replating, but I'm wondering if there's anything short of that which can be done to at least partially restore the finish? Any information or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Yes, Chris, it's happening for both reeds on each button. There's also still a hint of a buzz around some of the other reeds in the lower end, but it's not as pronounced as before. Thought I had solved it when I realised there were two domed metal screws in the action box put there to substitute the grill support dowels. I thought these must be zinging against the metal grill but despite removing them the sound is still there. Doh! I think a valve refit for all the lower reeds is the next move in trying to eliminate all possible causes....

Thanks very much folks - all useful suggestions. I looked at each in turn but none seem to be the source of the problem. One thing I did notice is that the pads were very thin and hard so I changed them in case these were vibrating against the wood and causing the levers to oscillate in the pivots. This has helped greatly and I'm only finding that the G/B and C/G on the left centre row still have an after buzz. Mike - your problem does sound like mine. I'm wondering if it's a frequency which is setting off something somewhere. It reminds me of a snare drum on a stage that will rattle when certain bass guitar notes are played! Any further suggestions most welcome..

I have a metal end Wheatstone which is in need of some work and one of the problems is quite a pronounced 'afterbuzz' ( the only accurate description I can give ) which happens directly after some notes are played. It's particularly noticeable on the lower notes on the left side ( low C, G, F etc) Right after the note plays there's a metallic sizzle or buzz which to my ears sounded like a vibration going through the longer levers. As an experiment I attached some small pieces of cloth tape around the longer lever arms to deaden any buzz or after-ring, but it doesn't seem to have solved it. I wondered if the grill end was doing it in some way so attached some felt pads inside at a few points to mute any possible buzz. Again this did nothing. Has anyone ever encountered this problem before and have any advice? Michael PS I want to make clear it's not loose reeds as I've checked all these. It's more a 'zingy' after-tone which is loud and sharp directly after certain bottom notes on the left side are played.

Geoff said: Minimizing pad size can increase output volume I've never heard mention of this before and would be interested to know more...

Im trying to find a label for a wheatstone anglo from 1912. At this point I believe the company were at west st, charing cross. An original would be just wonderful but failing that does anyone have a scan or picture of one which I could use? Am also trying to source an original wheatstone case for the concertina from that period. Anyone got one for sale / trade? thanks, Michael

Thanks Wes... I was unaware of wheatstone selling Lachenal anglos in the 1860s. Were they simply rebadged? Would love to read more or better still see some pictures. Any suggestions where?

I'm sure these questions have been asked somewhere previously but can't find the answers too readily. I believe Wheatstones began manufacturing anglos in the 1890s - is this correct? What date is the first lising for an anglo in their ledgers? Anyone know when they the brand name 'Linota' begin to be first used and when was it discontinued?

What price are you asking?

Thanks to all of you guys for your help......I was able to get it sorted. Michael.

I've had a Jones 30 key anglo brought to me for some repairs. Someone has poked their finger through the paper maker's label ( which looks like a reproduction to me ). Does anyone have a Jones label for an anglo they could scan and post? Many thanks, Michael.

Hi Paul Sorry for missing your message... A. yes, it's concert pitch, but several pads are off and it needs tuning. b. I'm in Sligo, Ireland c. Yes, it's 3136. This is stamped inside on the pans and bellows. Let me know if you need anything more. I've taken a high rez picture of the number inside so can PM that to you if you like? Michael.

An old chap who lives locally brought this Wheatstone English to me. He's had it for a good number of years but has never played it so wants to move it on. It needs some basics doing like pads, valves and a bit of tuning, plus the original thumb straps have worn to pieces. It has original brass reeds apart from a handful of steel replacements. On the plus side it's a reasonably early instrument ( no. 3136, which from what I can see falls in the gap in the Horniman Ledgers, so c.1851?). Rosewood ends and original wooden baffles. I'm offering it 'as is' on his behalf. If someone wants to make an offer I will pass it on to him.